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A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our complete oven and hob range today.

Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six power levels. They can take a while to get warm and cool down.

Hobs of different types

Every home should have a kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a whole kitchen appliance where you can roast and bake food). It is used for a variety of cooking methods, so it is essential to select the ideal hob for your needs. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a hob that will meet your needs.

Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a frameless, flat design that improves the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled with an individual dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down.

Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their instant heat and provide precise control. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there's leak. They may be less efficient than induction or electrical hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.

Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob and have been used for a long time. They have a flat top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron as they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the oven hob like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, as they don't have an open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs, and take longer to heat up and cool down.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs and ovens are a preferred choice among home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that tells you whether the burner is running or not.

They heat food quicker than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The latter are the best choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen since they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to install, and may require you to cut into the finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.

Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They usually have elegant, stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some come with touch-sensitive controls as well as an energy boost feature that allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to the boil in no time.

Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame is gone to ensure that you aren't at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.

It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which can be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are, however, models that don't produce any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. Known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the features that are typical of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 whatsoever while operating.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are a common choice for kitchens of any style. They offer a number of advantages over other types. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, meaning less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are much cheaper to operate than gas.

Ceramic or Ovens And Hobs glass electric hobs are most commonly found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface makes them a favorite choice for those with children, since they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can easily be replaced if damaged.

Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.

Despite their simple design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. Keep an eye out for gas smells, as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician to assistance if you suspect a problem. Always make sure that the hob has cooled completely before cleaning to prevent any serious damage. This will also stop any accidental spills and fires!

Hobs with induction

The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of a magnetic field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat up faster than other hobs and can save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use because the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and many have safety features such as automatic shut off to prevent accidents.

Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.

Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many people report a reduction in their overall energy bills when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas hobs that can get very hot and can pose a fire risk.

The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic one is the simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all the options, and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have many small copper coils tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will sense when you place your pan. It then activates the required coil to suit the pan shape and size.

All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are easily integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our entire range of products ranges from slick black and stainless steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure you take a look at our other appliances too including fridge freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working as it should.